The Antioxidant Effects and Mechanisms of Royal Jelly

Royal jelly has emerged as a highly effective natural antioxidant, with its value increasingly recognized. Extensive scientific research reveals that royal jelly does not rely on a single pathway but operates through a complex network of multiple components, targets, and synergistic interactions, providing comprehensive antioxidant protection.

I. Royal Jelly: A Multi-Target, Multi-Pathway Antioxidant Powerhouse

The antioxidant capacity of royal jelly has been confirmed by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, with mechanisms spanning from direct free radical scavenging to systemic regulation.

1. Direct Free Radical Scavenging
Multiple studies clearly demonstrate the direct scavenging ability of royal jelly. Research indicates that royal jelly effectively neutralizes DPPH radicals and inhibits the formation of superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals (KOCOT, J. et al, 2018). Notably, its antioxidant activity is time-dependent, peaking 24 hours after administration (LIU et al, 2008). Additionally, hydrolyzed peptides in royal jelly have been identified as key antioxidant components, capable of effectively scavenging hydroxyl, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide radicals (LIU et al, 2008).

2. Regulation of Intracellular Antioxidant Signaling Pathways
Royal jelly’s antioxidant role extends beyond passive defense—it actively enhances the body’s own defense systems. A study on a mouse model of kidney disease found that royal jelly protects renal function by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. This pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular antioxidant responses. Its activation promotes the expression of a range of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, systemically counteracting tissue damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysregulated apoptosis (ALMEER et al, 2019).

3. Inhibition of Free Radical Generation at the Source
Beyond clearing existing free radicals, royal jelly can reduce their production at the source. Studies suggest that its antioxidant activity may stem from its ability to inhibit the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes (KAUSAR et al, 2019). The cytochrome P450 family is a major intracellular source of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Suppressing its expression effectively reduces output from these “free radical factories.”

4. Enhancement of Overall Antioxidant Levels in the Body
In whole-animal models, royal jelly also demonstrates remarkable efficacy. Research shows that royal jelly can treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in menopausal rats by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver and reducing oxidative stress levels (YOU et al, 2020). This confirms its ability to improve the body’s overall oxidative-antioxidative balance and protect organ function.

II. Unveiling the Key Antioxidant Components of Royal Jelly

The potent efficacy of royal jelly is attributed to its complex and precious natural components. These elements work synergistically, each playing a distinct role in forming the material basis of its antioxidant capacity.

1. Organic Acids: Structure Determines Function
Royal jelly contains at least 26 free fatty acids, with the most representative being its unique component—10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), commonly known as “royal jelly acid.” Unsaturated fatty acids inherently serve as effective “targets” for free radicals. The unsaturated double bond in 10-HDA is susceptible to attack by reactive electrons, while the hydroxyl group (-OH) at the 10th carbon atom, due to the strong electronegativity of oxygen, readily loses hydrogen atoms to exert antioxidant effects. Additionally, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and others are easily oxidized due to their unsaturated structures, consuming free radicals in the process and thereby protecting the body.

2. Phenolic Compounds: Versatile Antioxidant Guardians
Royal jelly contains polyphenols and monophenols, including flavonoids and flavonoid-like compounds. Phenolic substances are recognized as potent antioxidants, interrupting free radical chain reactions by donating hydrogen atoms. Beyond directly scavenging free radicals, phenolics also exhibit multiple benefits such as anticancer effects, prevention of low-density lipoprotein oxidation (reducing cardiovascular risk), induction of beneficial enzyme expression, and antimicrobial and antiviral activities.

3. Enzymes and Hormones: The Body’s Cleanup System
Royal jelly is rich in various bioactive enzymes, most notably superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is the most critical enzyme for clearing superoxide anion radicals in the body, catalyzing their conversion into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen—the first line of defense in the antioxidant system. However, SOD alone has limited effectiveness. The ingenuity of royal jelly lies in its simultaneous inclusion of other synergistic components, forming a complete antioxidant enzyme system that maximizes efficiency. Additionally, enzymes like glucose oxidase in royal jelly contribute indirectly to antioxidant and preservation effects through mechanisms such as oxygen removal.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: Essential Supporting Forces

Vitamins: Royal jelly is abundant in B vitamins and vitamin C. Vitamin C itself is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant, directly neutralizing various free radicals while promoting collagen synthesis and enhancing immunity.

Minerals: Trace elements such as copper, zinc, and manganese in royal jelly serve as active centers or cofactors for antioxidant enzymes like SOD and glutathione peroxidase. Without these minerals, the activity of these enzymes would be significantly diminished, underscoring the crucial role of minerals in the antioxidant defense system.

III. Applications and Future Perspectives of Royal Jelly's Antioxidant Properties

The antioxidant characteristics of royal jelly are directly linked to its applications in anti-aging and mitigating age-related diseases. Studies indicate that royal jelly can inhibit the formation of lipofuscin (commonly known as "age spots") and delay skin cell aging. Nagai et al. reported that royal jelly’s ability to scavenge superoxide radicals is second only to propolis, and its activity is less affected by temperature, meaning it retains considerable efficacy even after processing and storage (Nagai T et al., 2001).

In terms of improving cognitive function, research suggests that the mechanisms may involve alleviating free radical-induced lipid peroxidation damage in the brain. Additionally, the abundant acetylcholine in royal jelly can be directly absorbed and utilized, contributing to enhanced intelligence and memory.

Conclusion

The antioxidant effects of royal jelly represent a multi-dimensional, systematic, and synergistic process. It not only directly scavenges free radicals through its organic acids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins but also activates the body’s endogenous antioxidant enzyme network via its enzymatic systems and mineral cofactors. More importantly, royal jelly modulates key signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE at the genetic level and inhibits free radical sources like cytochrome P450, fundamentally enhancing the body’s antioxidant defense capacity. This multi-layered protective mechanism underscores the unique scientific value and broad application prospects of royal jelly in delaying aging and preventing chronic diseases.

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